A professional nutritionist has revealed the foods Australians should be eating that could help improve their sex life.

When helping patients who have a decreased sex drive, Claudia Calisto, the creator of Total Health & Wellbeing, concentrates on balancing sex hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

Many of the foods Ms Calisto suggested – including red wine, oysters, and nuts also featured on Healthline’s list of recommended foods for increased sex drive.  

Fruits and vegetables 

Her top recommendation for improving sex drive was incorporating berries into diets.

‘Berries are rich in zinc, a mineral that can increase the production of testosterone in men,’ she said.

‘Additionally, berries are jam-packed with antioxidants that are known to increase blood flow to the sex organs.’

Another fruit high on the ingredients list was watermelon, as it contains L-Citrulline, a non-essential amino acid that helps improve blood flow, which could reduce erectile dysfunction.

One green Ms Calisto urged Aussies to eat regularly was broccoli as it contains Indole-3-carbinol, which could prevent the development of estrogen-enhanced cancers including breast, endometrial and cervical.

Nuts and seeds 

Ms Calisto also recommended eating three different nuts and seeds: pine nuts, pumpkin seeds and walnuts.

‘Pine nuts contain good fats, particularly good for men who want an active sex life,’ she said.

‘They contain Arginine, which helps dilate the blood vessels to improve sex drive and could help men to maintain an erection.

‘Never underestimate pumpkin seeds,’ she continued. ‘They are incredibly nutritious and packed with zinc.’

Good fats 

Ms Calisto is advocates for a diet rich in avocados and olive oil, attributing certain aphrodisiac properties to them. 

‘Avocados are considered a natural aphrodisiac because they are enormously high in phytonutrients and aid in dilating increasing blood flow to the sex organs,’ Ms Calisto said.

‘Extra virgin olive oil works its magic by triggering the testosterone hormone, which induces sexual desires thus enhancing orgasms.

Seafood 

Also high on the list was oysters, which Ms Calisto nicknamed ‘nature’s aphrodisiac’, due to their high level of zinc.

‘Did you know that every ejaculation, a male loses about a milligram of zinc?,’ she said. 

‘Therefore this mineral needs regular replenishment if you want to maintain health and good sex drive.’

Herbs and spices 

She also recommended two herbs for their sex drive boosting qualities.

‘Saffron is an aphrodisiac spice,’ Ms Calisto said.

‘Chronic stress disrupts hormone balance and can dampen libido. Saffron’s natural compounds may help regulate stress hormones and promote a sense of calm by supporting healthy serotonin levels. 

‘Lowering stress levels is a great way to increase libido and overall sexual wellbeing.

‘Red ginseng also reduces stress, promotes relaxation and greatly improves blood flow to the sex organs.’

Drinks 

The last four places on Ms Calisto’s list were dedicated to drinks. 

‘Green tea is rich in compounds called catechins which promotes blood flow and, additionally, can also help reduce belly fat,’ she said.

One or two glasses of red wine can help boost libidos, she said.

‘Some great news is organic red wine aids both male and female libido. It improves the function of the inner lining of the heart and blood vessels and increases blood flow to different parts of the body, including the sex organs.’

She also stressed the importance of drinking water, saying: ‘Staying hydrated by drinking water helps keep ones blood cells and plasma volume high, this is needed for high sex drive.’

The last drink Ms Calisto recommended was matcha, powdered green tea.

‘Matcha is made from shaded and young green tea leaves and entire tea leaf is used,’ she said. 

‘The antioxidants present in the matcha is more concentrated than green tea. One cup of matcha is equal to three cups of green tea. 

‘The antioxidants in the matcha aid the flow of blood to the sex organs maintaining good circulation.’